TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida State University is trying to jump-start its tumultuous search for a new president, but top officials have already been warned that the process could be viewed as a “sham” because of the candidacy of powerful state Sen. John Thrasher, who is seen as the front-runner.

Late last month, FSU officials agreed to revamp the search and wait until September to find a replacement for Eric Barron, who abruptly left FSU to take the top position at Penn State University.